Planning to travel for work or leisure, but concerned about staying safe and healthy? This safe travel guide is specially written for you. 

Our world has been irrevocably altered by COVID-19 and the need to protect ourselves against future health outbreaks. By being prepared for the unexpected, and abiding by public health guidelines, we can continue to quell our wanderlust, and reap the indelible rewards of discovering new places and people. 

For guests at Pan Pacific Hotels Group, do refer to the authorities at your destination country, to find out about:

1. Specific entry requirements, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result. (Learn about COVID-19 tests.)
2. Quarantine procedures upon arrival—these normally range from seven to 14 days (or longer) depending on your destination
3. Mask requirements on your flight, as well as on land
4. Exemptions to the above, e.g. for young children and those with medical conditions. Also check for travel bubbles or zones—arrangements between countries to waive quarantine requirements.
5. Border closures and lockdown measures

Below are visitor guidelines for our guests’ preferred destinations:

• Australia

• Bangladesh (For updated information, please contact the Bangladesh mission in your country.)

• Canada

• China (For updated information, please contact the Chinese embassy in your country.) 

• Japan

• Malaysia (For updated information, please contact the Malaysian mission in your country.)

• Myanmar

• Singapore

• United Kingdom

• US

• Vietnam (For updated information, please contact the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country.)

When buying travel insurance for your trip, your priority is to ensure that you are covered for trip cancellations. During these uncertain times, you may even want the flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason. However, do bear in mind that insurance packages that offer broader cancellation policies may provide lower reimbursements. 

Other essential aspects of your COVID-19 travel insurance should include:

• Medical and related COVID-19 expenses

• Overseas hospitalisation coverage

• Overseas quarantine coverage (if you should test positive for COVID-19 during your travels)

• Repatriation cost coverage

• Trip curtailment coverage

In addition, check with your insurer about their coverage for travel advisories, and not just border closures. After all, you may wish to postpone your trip if your country is discouraging—but not outright banning—travel to your intended destination.

As we make the best of the ‘new normal,’ Pan Pacific Hotels Group remains your trusted travel host, and our highest priority is the health and safety of our guests.

All Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL properties adhere to strict health and safety measures. Our cleaning and disinfection protocols are aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and we use healthcare-grade disinfectants that are certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. 

Our infographic below will give you a better idea of the steps that we’re taking to protect our valued guests.

Beyond getting insured and choosing the right accommodation for your travels, we recommend that you follow these best practices to keep yourself healthy—and happy—when abroad.

Wherever you choose to go, be sure to carry the following to help you travel safe:

• Disposable masks or cloth face masks. It is good to have spares for yourself and your travel companions. Ensure that your masks are effective against COVID-19 as well as other viruses and bacteria—surgical masks or N95 grade masks work best.

• Soap and water for hand washing. If these are not available, your second-best option is a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol—sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95% are thought to be more effective at killing germs. 

• Disinfectant wipes for surfaces. For proper disinfection, your wipes should contain 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60% ethanol. (Find out how to make your own disinfectant wipes.)

• A thermometer, for checking your temperature regularly.

If you can drive, consider renting your own car for the duration of the trip, to avoid exposure to crowds on public transport.

Popular car rental providers such as Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz have implemented enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures. Before you choose a car rental firm, check if their disinfection and safety protocols give you sufficient reassurance.

By now, many have developed the habit of wiping down high-contact surfaces before touching them, and you can do the same for your rental car.

In general, plan your sightseeing to avoid crowds—you can book private tours, or head out only during off-peak hours. Engaging in outdoor activities will also decrease your exposure to infectious diseases, because of the increased airflow. Many outdoor activities are considered low-risk, such as:

• Walking and hiking

• Cycling

• Water activities, e.g. kayaking

• Snow sports, e.g. skiing

Should you decide to go shopping, follow the social distancing guidelines in your host country. This may differ from country to country—within the US, the recommended distance to keep from others is at least 2m, while in smaller cities elsewhere, the recommended distance could be a metre apart.

To be safe, consider washing your hands and disinfecting your purchases before you open them. You may also wish to check on the health and safety advisories adopted in the retail outlets that you patronize. Ensure that the outlets have some form of thermal scanning or temperature checks for customers at the door.

At mealtimes, choose al fresco dining where possible, and patronise establishments where tables are spaced at least 1.8-2m (6ft) apart. Like retail outlets, food and beverage outlets should also practice safe distancing measures, especially when guests are waiting in line. Apart from checking that the outlet has a temperature scanning facility at the door, do also read its health and safety advisory, just to be sure that you are in safe hands.

Despite our best efforts, we may still fall ill while travelling. If you need to locate a recognised testing centre, clinic, or hospital in your destination country, you can refer to Singapore Airlines’s global COVID-19 clinic guide.

To minimise travel stress, book your stay with a reputable hospitality brand such as Pan Pacific Hotels Group, to ensure that you will be well supported throughout your trip—even if the unexpected should happen.

With precautions in place, we can travel safe, and create fulfilling memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to hosting you at our properties!